Hundreds of people became farmers for a day thanks to an open day in west Dorset.

An Open Farm Sunday event was hosted at Denhay Farm in Broadoak, as visitors took part in activities learning how to grow food, care for livestock and manage the environment.

Families were taken on tours of the farm in tractors and trailers stopping off at different points to learn about the crops that were growing, found out about the farm machinery that is used, and saw some of the animals which are kept on the farm.

Visitors were able to see a newly born litter of saddleback pigs, get up close to a dairy cow, see some Dorset horn sheep and meet up with some local experts in beekeeping.    

The Melplash Agricultural Society Discover Farming team also entertained the younger visitors with lots of hands-on farm-to-food activities including making butter and milking a cow. 

Amanda Streatfeild, on behalf of the organisers and Coppet Hill, said: "We were delighted to be part of the national LEAF Open Farm Sunday for the very first time.  

"It was a great occasion.  

"With at least 60 volunteers from the Melplash Agricultural Society and the farming community, we were able to show our 800 visitors many of the activities that take place on local farms from soil health, machinery use, animal and wildlife habits and the magnificent countryside that is the Marshwood Vale.

"We were very pleased to welcome families, some travelling for the day from Poole and beyond, to the farm and to have the chance to answer so many different questions"